Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Tour into the lower glades of McDonald Mountain. Collapsing noted in valley bottom. At 8800 ft HS 51 cm. Well preserved buried surface hoar layer at 33cm, easy to initiate failure however no propagation, possibly a consequence of a shallower snowpack than the reported slide in the Smoky’s. We were able to get ECTP moderate results at the interface of the iced DH and dry DH interface which I imagine was a rain on depth hoard event early season? As reported it still appears instability still exists in the right areas. Given relatively shallow snowpack these layers remain very well preserved. Unfortunately it does not appear that our part of the zone will get to see the results of a storm load this week to further stress these layers and possibly a widespread natural cycle.